PDX Transit

Information on planning ahead (including information on health insurance and benefits), some general advice on staying healthy while you're away and what to do when you get home.

Before you Travel

Making sure you've got adequate health insurance is essential. Even if you are going to a country that has a reciprocal health care agreement with the US, you may still need to pay for medical treatment. None of the health care agreements cover the cost of bringing a person back to the US in the event of illness or death. You must always tell your insurer if you have a pre-existing condition. Otherwise, you may not be covered.

Many companies offer health insurance for travelers. You can often buy policies online and prices are very competitive. But it is always worth checking with your travel agent, insurance company or bank to see if the level of cover being offered is adequate. If you are travelling on business, your company will probably already have insurance that covers you – but again, you should check to see whether it is adequate and whether you need to take out extra insurance. Some credit and charge card companies provide some insurance cover for cardholders. If you have this, check carefully to see what's covered and what isn't.

Before you leave, check the small print. If you have any doubts or concerns about what's covered by your policy, contact the insurer direct.

If you're taking prescription medicines, ask your doctor whether you'll be able to get them while you're away.  Don't start a new medicine right before leaving.  Also verify that your medicines are not restricted in the country that you are visiting

Make sure you've got all the immunizations you need for the country you're going to by checking the NHS immunization website

Stop your mail service with the post office if you plan to be away more than 5 days

Let your neighbors and friends know that you'll be traveling.  They can watch for suspicious activity, pickup mail, check of any signs of trouble while you are traveling.

Make sure your bills are paid and up to date. 

Have a friend or family member drop you off at the airport.  It will save money on parking fees. 

During your travel

Simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting ill or having an accident while you're away.

Food and drink
Lots of travellers get diarrhoea from eating or drinking something contaminated. You can also get diseases like cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A from contaminated food and water. You can reduce the risk by taking these simple precautions:

• Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before handling food or eating.if you're not sure whether the water is safe, sterilise it by boiling it or using purification tablets, or use bottled water (preferably fizzy) instead. Always use clean water for washing food and cleaning your teeth as well as drinking.
• avoid ice unless you're sure it's made from treated, chlorinated water. This includes ice used to keep food cool as well as ice in drinks.
• make sure food has been freshly and thoroughly cooked and is still piping hot – avoid food that has been kept warm.
• avoid uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
• avoid food that is likely to have been exposed to flies.
• avoid ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks or street traders.
• avoid – or boil – unpasteurised milk.
• In addition, fish and shellfish can be suspect in some countries. Uncooked shellfish, such as oysters, are especially risky.

While you're on holiday, try to eat a healthy balanced diet. A healthy diet contains lots of fruit and vegetables; is based on starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice; and is low in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar.

When you return home 

It is especially important to give your body adequate time to adjust upon returning home from traveling overseas.  Don't try to immediately return to your daily return whenjetlagged, your performance and judgement will be impaired.  The effects of jet lag have been known to last up to 7 days.

http://www.dh.gov.US/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/Stayinghealthy/DH_4114852